Window Boxes and Curb Appeal

June 25, 2018

Curb Appeal was something our home was lacking when we bought it three years ago. Slowly we have made some minor changes and recently some major changes with new siding. But honestly every time we made a change, no matter if it was pulling out some weeds or adding rocks to our walk-up. It’s was an effort that doesn’t go un-noticed. Little changes to the exterior go a long way. We were out working on our front yard and I was adding some flowers to our window boxes and a woman walked by and called out “looks great!” It was so nice of her! It really wasn’t complete, but her just encouraging the work that was going into making our neighborhood a bright shiny, loved on space was appreciated.

Next time I see someone out working I am going to call out “looks great!” And make sure to drive slowly past your own home and tell yourself “it looks great!” Because really that is what matters most, if you and your family love it.

Window Boxes-

Window boxes were something I always wanted on our home. BUT they also made me a little nervous because I thought whatever I put in them would die a few weeks later. I hate wasting money and killing things, really who likes either of those? (probably not someone reading this blog post:)).

We added window boxes about two years ago. I kept it really simple and planted some Dwarf Alberta’s inside. They are pretty inexpensive, so I wasn’t going to loose much if they died. To my surprise they have held up the entire two years, even with snow and Christmas lights on them. One of my favorite parts is you can see the tops of the topiaries thru the windows when you are inside.

Since we painted our front door pink a few months ago I thought some pink flowers would be cute to pull the door in. Actually I thought that after our exterior was made into a painting HERE and the artist asked if she could “draw in some pink flowers to tie-in the door.” THEN I realized, I need some pink flowers in our window boxes.

Window Boxes filled with topiaries to add height, some “bendy plants” as my daughter calls them and some flowers to pull in accent colors that are IN your home or front door will add some major curb appeal! And for not a lot of money. Also we trimmed the boxwoods that were blocking the window boxes- what a difference that made!!

PS- what is more inviting then homes at dusk? It is my favorite time to go on a bike ride, you can see the glow of the lamps from the street, it is just such a cozy feeling.

Grouping Pots-

I also added some pink flowers in a smaller pot on our front steps. Grouping three planters in varied heights is always an easy way to add some curb appeal. If you are more of a maximalist with your flower pots and front porch just stagger the pots to balance the space. I have a grouping of three on the right and one larger one on the top landing.

Outdoor Seating-

Some seating out front is another sign of welcoming and curb appeal. Kevin and I went back and forth the other night on where to put our Adirondack chairs. We had them on either side of the walk-up but the sprinklers hit them so we had to keep moving them. Kevin tried them half in the flower bed and half out. So many of you said on Instagram as I was showing the debate, that Kevin is following my rug advice- front legs of the furniture on the rug or grass in our case. We opted for grouping them side by side with a table for now. We could and might extend out the flower bed and add some stones to place the chairs on, which would look great and a little more finished. We do really enjoy the chairs on the grass for now, this is where we sit waiting for the girls to get off the bus.

PS- we have had wood Adirondack Chairs out here and they looked bad after a year, the wood started to split so fast! THESEAdirondack chairs are made out of recycled plastic and I didn’t realize that is why they are more expensive, because they will last WAY longer than wood chairs.

While I love the look of some outdoor pillows in the chairs it is just not practical (for us). I could tie them down somehow, but in the back of my little head I would be thinking and worried about the pillows outside. So we will admire THESE buffalo check outdoor pillows, for just that one time I tried it.

The window boxes on the front of our home are my favorite because they are heavy duty! They are more expensive than plastic window boxes but after buying some cheap window boxes I can see why it is worth spending more- they can hold all the weight of the flowers and dirt!

We did use THIS smaller plastic window box from Home Depot on our shed and it worked great because it was a small window. When you get any larger the center can start to bow out because of the weight. I sent Kevin to Home Depot to “get a white window box” and they only had black so he bought Rustoleum semi-gloss white spray paint and painted it, and I had no clue! (Reason #551 why I will keep him around). I thought he bought it that way. Also it is missing the bottom part, because Kevin thought I didn’t want it (I do). Moral of the story, I would recommend investing in quality window boxes if you have a larger window.

I like the window box to extend past the window frame. We just added a herb garden in a window box under our kitchen window- I love it! I will have to share it soon! But it needs some reinforcement since we used an inexpensive plastic window box and it is on the larger side…causing the bowing out issue.

Our window boxes came with hardware to install them- making it a lot easier to do than you would think! You can find our exact window boxes HERE.

I linked some other Window Boxes below and sources for our home- click on an image to shop! And make sure to head to-

Comments

Brooke, your home is amazing. I love how you group your pots and the Adirondack chairs look so inviting and comfortable. Lovely work. Thanks so much for participating in this Project Design. Your neighbors must really love you guys!!!

I love this post! I LOVE window boxes and I totally agree it’s worth it to spend more and have quality boxes. We initially bought cheap plastic ones and after watering several times it fell down. Also I love your chairs on the grass!! And I actually like them better without the pillows. Maybe get a cute little outdoor throw to put on one?

Your home is so welcoming!! While I love it ALL, the window boxes & pink door give your home it’s charming personality. Curb appeal is so important and as you said, it doesn’t have to be expensive. A few kind words go a long way and it is meaningful when someone takes the time to say “nice job”. I will remember that when I’m out & about this summer. We expanded our front flower bed this spring. We’re working on it in phases. So while I’m waiting for plants to go on sale, I added pots I already had and filled them with flowers. I added a bench to give some height to area. The neighbors have made kind comments and I’ve even noticed them sprucing up their yards. Curb appeal is contagious.

Everything looks so inviting! Makes you want to knock on that pretty pink door. I’m working on my own curb appeal and had a question about your front door. Is it wood or a composite? I think I remember you replacing the door. Would you have a link to it? Thanks!

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Welcome

I have always loved Nesting. It became more rewarding when I started preparing the nest for my Ella Grace, Lola Faith and Finn. I design around things that have a story and mix in funky trendy pieces. I am a Utah native, Connecticut transplant with 18 years experience at a design firm in Utah in designing, managing and as head store buyer. I love Kevin, Ella and Lola, to get my heart rate up in any sort of group setting, eating simple and clean or just give me a sweet potato and I am happy.
Contact me about working together[email protected].